by Devon Green VAHHS Vice President of Governmental Relations Sometimes legislative resolutions have so many “whereases” and words that the sentiment can get lost during the formality. This was not the case last week, when the full House and Senate passed a simple resolution recognizing the unwavering dedication of Vermont’s health care workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic.
More importantly, both the legislature and administration have supported this sentiment with regulatory flexibilities and funding throughout the entirety of the pandemic. I’ve talked to my counterparts in other states as they battle legislation prohibiting mask requirements and have openly fought with their Departments of Health. Whereas, VAHHS and its hospitals continue to be grateful for a legislature and administration that listens to and supports its health care workers. Resolved: Thank you.
Last Week
DVHA budget: The Department of Vermont Health Access presented a budget with an $18.5 million increase in budget to the Senate and House Appropriations Committees. A large portion of this increase, $16.9 million, is due to an increase in caseload and utilization changes. DVHA is also starting to implement a federal requirement that shifts federal funding for inpatient psychiatric care hospitals, or IMDs, to the state with a $56,000 technical change.
DMH budget: The Department of Mental Health presented a budget to the House Committee on Appropriations with a $45 million increase, including payment reform, $2.5 million to annualize the cost of the Brattleboro Retreat’s level-1 beds slated to open in FY 2022, and replacement of the Middlesex secure residential facility with a new building where Woodside Juvenile Rehabilitation Center is currently located.
Regulatory flexibilities: The Senate Health and Welfare Committee took testimony last week on extending current COVID-19 regulatory flexibilities under Act 91 and Act 140 around licensure and insurance coverage. The coalition of Vermont health care associations testified in favor of extending these provisions, and the Office of Professional Regulation proposed extending the regulations to a date certain—March 2022—to avoid confusion while allowing time for the legislature to step in and make changes during next session if necessary.
Suicide Prevention: The Department of Mental Health presented their comprehensive initiative to reduce suicides, Vermont Addressing Suicide Together (VAST). Several legislators noted DMH may want to reconsider the name due to confusion with the highly popular Vermont Association of Snow Travelers. Efforts include transitioning the National Suicide Hotline phone number to a three-digit number—988—starting in July 2022 and having calls answered in Vermont with local Lifeline Centers.
This Week
Audio-only Telehealth: House Health Care will likely vote on extending audio-only telehealth coverage and reimbursement beyond the COVID-19 state of emergency.